Rosh Hashanah: Renewing the Spirit Through Food and Faith

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time of deep reflection, celebration and connection to faith. According to Rabbi Daniel Rowe, senior educator at Aish Jerusalem, the holiday is not only a period of judgment but also one of hope and renewal.

“It’s a time of very deep introspection and reflection, [a] time of really planning forward,” Rowe says in an interview with Fox News. He adds that Rosh Hashanah is a chance to recreate oneself and strive to be better in the year ahead.

A central part of the celebration is the symbolic foods eaten during the holiday, which carry rich spiritual meaning. “Everything we do on Rosh Hashanah, whether it’s the foods that we eat or the prayers that we utter, is about that deep cry inside us that says, ‘This world can be a better place,'” Rowe explains.

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

Among the most iconic traditions is dipping an apple in honey, symbolizing the desire for a sweet and fruitful year. “The apple represents that which is nutritious and good for us,” Rowe says, “and we don’t just want things ‘good.’ We’d also like to be able to appreciate the good in all of them.”

The symbolism extends to a wide variety of foods, each with its own meaning, often tied to the hope for blessings and abundance in the coming year. Whether enjoying pomegranates, whose many seeds represent the fulfillment of good deeds, or round challah bread, symbolizing the cycle of life, each bite on Rosh Hashanah is consumed with mindfulness and purpose. “Every single item of food could be a blessing and could manifest some kind of goodness,” Rowe says. He emphasizes that eating during Rosh Hashanah is an act of building oneself up to become a blessing to others in the year ahead.

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

Rosh Hashanah’s focus on renewal, prayer and personal growth is especially poignant this year on the first anniversary of the jihadist terror attacks, while Israel continues to face a multi-front war during this sacred season. As families gather to celebrate, Rabbi Rowe’s words remind us of the power of prayer: “We can use each year to recreate ourselves and become better people.”

Let us take this time to reflect on the challenges faced by the people of Israel and offer a collective prayer for peace, protection and hope for the future.

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.




Luke Bryan Turns to Jesus in New Album: How Family Loss Shaped His Powerful Prayer

Country music superstar Luke Bryan is known for his chart-topping hits and energetic performances, but his latest album takes a heartfelt turn, offering a glimpse into his personal faith and the pain he’s endured over the years. In the final track of “Mind of a Country Boy,” Bryan shares a deeply personal prayer in a song titled “Jesus ‘Bout My Kids,” where he pleads with Jesus to watch over his children as they navigate life’s challenges, “Now I talk to Jesus ’bout my kids.”

The song is a reflection of Bryan’s role as a father to his two biological sons, Bo and Tate, as well as his adopted nieces and nephew, whom he and his wife, Caroline, took in after a series of family tragedies. The lyrics express his hopes, worries and ultimate reliance on his faith to protect them.

“There’s only so much you can do,” Bryan told reporters in Nashville. “You got to turn it over to Jesus…to look after them, because at the end of the day, that’s what you have to kind of plant your flag in—that God and Jesus are looking after them.”

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

Bryan has been open about his faith, describing how he and Caroline work to ensure their children understand the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of faith. In a 2015 interview, he said, “We try to stress, every day, the importance of Jesus and Christianity and being a good person.”

Beyond his faith, Bryan’s family has endured a lifetime of loss within just a few years. His older brother, Chris, died in a car accident in 1996. In 2007, his sister Kelly passed away unexpectedly, and when her husband, Ben, died in 2014, Bryan and Caroline immediately took in their nephew and nieces. “We never thought twice about it,” Caroline told ABC News.

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

These losses continue to shape Bryan’s perspective on life and fatherhood. He has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of losing loved ones and the struggles his family has faced. “You never quite get over it,” Bryan told Parade. But through it all, his faith remains his anchor.

With “Jesus ‘Bout My Kids,” Bryan offers more than just a song—he shares a prayer born out of both love and loss, echoing the personal battles that continue to drive his music and life.

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.




Pastor Troy Brewer Explores the Prophetic Meaning of Hebrew Year 5785

As the Jewish High Holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, open this week, Pastor Troy Brewer recently discussed the prophetic significance of the Hebrew calendar year 5785. Speaking from his church in Burleson, Texas, Brewer believes this year holds specific and significant meaning for both individual believers and the broader body of Christ, calling it a season marked by grace, redemption and transformation.

Brewer begins by explaining the importance of understanding the Hebrew calendar. He contrasts it with the Gregorian calendar, highlighting how God speaks differently to the nations and His covenant people through celestial markers like the sun and the moon.

“The sun is always biblically seen as masculine, the moon is always biblically seen as feminine,” Brewer says, pointing to the lunar cycle’s connection to biblical timing.

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

Central to Brewer’s message is the number 85, which he says carries prophetic weight in 5785. In Hebrew, letters have numerical values, and the emphasis this year is on the combination of 80 and five, represented by the Hebrew letters “pey” and “hey.” Brewer explains that “pey” symbolizes the mouth, and “hey” signifies breath and grace. “It’s the mouth to mouth, it’s the two-edged sword,” Brewer says, underscoring the idea of divine importance of speaking life.

Order Jonathan Cahn’s “The Dragon’s Prophecy” on !

Brewer also delves into the biblical significance of the number five, which he ties to grace and repentance. “A big part of the hey or the emphasis of the number five in the word of God has to do with repentance and grace—the grace of God to be able to repent,” he says. Brewer defines grace as not merely forgiveness but God’s empowerment for believers to overcome challenges. “Grace is not God forgiving us… It’s the difference between rescuing a girl [from trafficking] and then setting a girl up for success in life. The rescue is the redemption, but the setting her up for life is the grace.”

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

As he explores the duality of Christ’s role as both Savior and King, Brewer points to the return of Jesus. “He’s coming back with the church because we are saved, but He’s coming back for Israel,” Brewer says, clarifying the distinction between salvation through Christ and Gods covenant with Israel as a nation.

For Brewer, 5785 is not just a number but a call to believers to seize the moments of “Kairos,” or divine opportunities. “There are special moments of opportunity that come to you at certain times of year,” he says, urging fellow believers to live in sync with the Holy Spirit at all times.

Brewer sees 5785 as a prophetic year, deeply connected to biblical symbols and principles of grace, redemption and transformation. “This is a tremendous year of grace and repentance,” Brewer says, encouraging others to step into their destiny by aligning with God’s timing and purpose.

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.




Rick Joyner Addresses Missteps Amid Turmoil at MorningStar

MorningStar Ministries founder Rick Joyner is addressing a growing conflict within his organization, focusing on the fallout with former leader Chris Reed. In a recent edition of “Rick’s Rants,” Joyner speaks openly about the deteriorating situation, admitting his own lack of discernment and acknowledging the serious issues facing the ministry.

Joyner recalls his initial trust in Reed, describing him as someone he thought would play a significant leadership role within MorningStar. However, over time, problems began to surface.

“I was shocked beyond anything by what happened to Chris Reed. I never saw that coming,” Joyner says. He expresses regret for not recognizing early warning signs, acknowledging that “others saw parts of it and were worried about it.”

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

Joyner is candid about his own personal failures, admitting that he missed critical red flags in Reed’s leadership. “I have a real blind spot in some ways that I need others to cover for me,” he says, noting his need for greater discernment and the importance of leaning on the spiritual gifts of others. “I can’t cover everything. I think the Lord has distributed His gifts in His church to make us depend on each other and actually love each other.”

The issue with Reed is part of a broader set of challenges plaguing MorningStar, including continued “legal battles regarding the alleged sexual abuse cases of minors by a former volunteer at the church” as Charisma News has previously reported.

Joyner speaks of “wolves in sheep’s clothing” within the organization, explaining how some leaders have sown division and caused harm. “They think they’re special messengers of God, but it’s not the God I serve,” he says. He is adamant that individuals who fail to meet biblical standards will not be granted positions of authority. “They’re demanding positions of leadership in the church—that ain’t gonna happen now with me still alive.”

Order Stephen E. Strang’s “Spirit-Led Living in an Upside-Down World” on !

Despite the turmoil, Joyner remains committed to the future of MorningStar and the broader Christian community. He believes that this season of trial will lead to a renewal. “MorningStar has been through shakings, some really big ones like this,” he says. “It always preceded a great move of God among us.”

He calls for spiritual watchmen—Christians with strong gifts of discernment—to step up in this critical hour. “We need watchmen on the walls. We are in desperate need of spiritual watchmen who will discern these people for what they are,” Joyner urges. He believes that the challenges facing MorningStar, and the church at large, can only be overcome with the help of those with “extraordinary gifts of discernment.”

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

As the situation continues to unfold, Joyner pleads for unity within the body of Christ. He encourages believers to “stay the course” and trust in God’s ultimate victory, despite the ongoing battles.

In this time of crisis, Christians across the country are encouraged to lift up the hurting church in prayer. Pray for the restoration of unity, healing for abuse victims, discernment in leadership and for the church to follow biblical mandates set before them.

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.




America’s Last Chance: 40 Days for Repentance and Renewal

In a pivotal moment for the United States, bestselling author Troy Anderson and Pastor Paul Begley join forces to launch the “40 Days to Save America” movement. Inspired by a vision of national repentance, they urge Americans to pray and fast in the weeks leading up to the November elections. The movement runs from Sept. 26 to Nov. 5, a period they believe can redefine the future of the nation.

Anderson shares the roots of this powerful initiative, stating, “This movement was inspired by my interview with Billy Graham in 2013, where he emphasized the importance of repentance.” Anderson reflects on Graham’s reference to the biblical story of Jonah and Nineveh, where the people’s collective change of heart led to divine intervention. “Just as Nineveh repented and changed, we can do the same for America,” he asserts, believing this moment can serve as a turning point for the United States.

Order Troy Anderson’s “The Trump Code” on !

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

Begley, deeply moved by Anderson’s vision, states, “We are at a critical moment in our nation’s history. With natural disasters, economic turmoil and moral confusion, the need for clarity is greater than ever.” He emphasizes that prayer is essential, reminding us of 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God calls His people to humble themselves, pray and seek His face. “We need to cry out to God, asking for forgiveness and healing,” he urges, calling on thousands of followers to join in this sacred act of unity.

The duo highlights the importance of collective action, stating, “When there is agreement in prayer, there is power.” Each day, they distribute newsletters filled with prayers and historical accounts of past national days of prayer, encouraging Americans to reflect on their spiritual responsibilities. “Our country has allowed anti-Christian agendas to seep into our institutions,” Begley notes. “It’s time to return to the foundations that made this nation great.”

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

As they embark on this journey, both Anderson and Begley express optimism. Anderson envisions this movement igniting a revival of faith and unity across the country. “We’re witnessing a significant shift, especially among young people,” he explains. “God is moving, and we must respond.”

In their heartfelt plea, they invite all Americans to participate in the “40 Days to Save America” movement. “Now is the time for us to join together in prayer and fasting,” Begley insists. “Prayer changes things.” Anderson adds, “This is our chance to turn back to God and reclaim the soul of our nation.” With conviction and hope, they rally the faithful to step forward, believing that together, they can change the course of history.

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.




5 Prophetic Judgments Looming Over America

On a recent episode of “The Strang Report” podcast, hosted by Stephen Strang, evangelist Mario Murillo issues a stark prophetic warning about the 2024 U.S. presidential election, revealing that electing Kamala Harris would bring dire consequences for the United States. Drawing from the biblical story of 1 Samuel 8, in which Israel demands a king, Murillo parallels this historical event with the upcoming election, urging Christians to understand the severity of their choice.

Murillo states that God revealed to him five specific dangers that will arise if Harris is elected. “God woke me up and said… ‘I want you to make a prediction of what’s going to happen if the election goes a certain way.’ The first phrase I heard was ‘daughter of lies,’ the second phrase was ‘there will be no going back from this,'” he says.

Order Phil Hotsenpiller’s “It’s Midnight in America” on !

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

The first consequence Murillo highlights from his dream is the loss of the nation’s children. He points to Harris’ association with “the most anti-parent radical individual in America,” referring to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz being selected as her running mate. “Our children will be confiscated,” Murillo says, adding, “This is about the children.”

Second, he warns that a Harris presidency will bring more war, pointing to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Referring to 1 Samuel 8, he says, “If you choose this bad leader, it’s going to cost you your kids, and number two, it’s going to take you into war.” He asserts that Harris “can’t stand up to the complex that wants war and wants our boys to go and die in battles we don’t need.”

The third consequence Murillo cites is a massive shift toward socialism. He refers to 1 Samuel 8 again, saying Harris will “confiscate your wealth and give it to her friends,” claiming her policies will enrich elites while harming the middle class. “This is the finest concise description of socialism that has ever been written in the history of the world,” he adds.

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

The fourth warning is the theft of productivity. Murillo argues that illegal immigration and unchecked social policies will drain American resources. “They’re absorbing community funds that are being taken from your children, being taken from your job and your prosperity,” he says.

Lastly, Murillo warns of spiritual decline. “Here’s the most chilling part,” he states. “You’re going to lose the voice of God,” warning that Harris will lead the country away from biblical values and into moral decay.

Murillo urges Christians to act, insisting, “Not voting is a vote for Kamala.” He stresses the importance of preventing what he sees is the inevitable destruction of American values under Harris’ ungodly leadership.

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.




JD Vance Urges Christians to Reclaim America

In a move to solidify the Christian vote for Republican ticket this election season, Republican Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance held a town hall meeting in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, this weekend, hoping to flip the battleground state red.

The townhall took place as part of the Lance Wallnau Show’s “The Courage Tour,” an event billed as “the celebration of Jesus Christ’s courage and triumph,” which is touring the United States.

Pastor Jason Howard, a local nondenominational pastor, who was the moderator for the townhall, discussed some of the pressing issues facing Christians this election cycle such as immigration, the economy and the growing religious persecution facing Christians in America.

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

“Unfortunately, our current federal government is trying to destroy [Christianity in America], and it’s a disgrace,” Vance says. “Let’s hope that we can take this country back and make our country better.”

Vance shares that he believes if leaders want to enforce the core values of the Christian faith, it starts with taking care of the American people they were elected to represent.

Order Troy Anderson’s “The Trump Code” on !

“As an American leader and a person who wants to be your next vice president, my first responsibility is to American citizens. And I think there is this Christian idea that you owe the strongest duty to your family, and then you owe the next duty to your community,” Vance says, in relation to the surge of illegal immigrants flooding the United States over the past three-and-a-half years.

The best way to address this, says Vance, is to bring civilian-led, Christian charities back into the forefront of society.

“We want to empower Christian charity, not try to destroy it from the government level, which is, unfortunately, what we see,” Vance shares.

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

“So what Donald Trump and I promised to do is protect religious freedom, protect people’s rights to say what they want to say and to worship how they want to worship in their church, and to guarantee that the government is not going to strip nonprofit status from the churches it doesn’t like,” he adds.

For the many Christians who have taken notice of the increase in sexual immorality, demonic activity and apostasy taking root in American culture, these types of reassurances provide an alternate path than the one the nation has been going down for decades.

If a true revival of the American spirit is to take place, it must start with repentance for our communal sin as a nation against God, and turning back from the evil path of recent decades.

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.




Lana Savchuk: 5 Pillars of Being a Biblical Wife

Lana Savchuk, wife of Pastor Vlad Savchuk of HungryGen, recently released a video speaking passionately about the five roles of a biblical wife. She confidently dives into Scripture to reveal what the Bible says about a wife’s responsibilities. Savchuk shares the importance of following these roles in a world that encourages a different path for women than what the Scriptures teach.

A Partner, Not Subordinate

Savchuk explains that a biblical wife acts as a partner to her husband, highlighting their equality. Referring to Genesis 1:27-28, she stresses that God grants both men and women dominion over creation. This mutual responsibility, she says, means women stand beside their husbands.

“Women were created from the rib of a man to be beside him, not from his head to top him, not from his feet, to be trampled upon, but from under his side to be protected by him, near his heart to be loved by him,” Savchuk shares.

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

An Honorable Helper

Outlining the role of a helper, Savchuk draws from Genesis 2:20, exploring the Hebrew word “ezer,” often used to describe God as a helper. She explains that this role carries great honor and importance, rather than inferiority. By assisting their husbands, wives follow a divine calling, echoing God’s own role as a helper to humanity.

“When the Lord created Eve from the rib of Adam, He created her as a helper,” Savchuk says.

A Crown, Not a Neck

Savchuk also discusses how a wife becomes the crown of her husband. She references Proverbs 12:4, urging women to honor and respect their husbands rather than criticize them. Criticism, she says, acts like a cancer in marriage, weakening the foundation. Instead, she encourages wives to uplift their husbands with honor, stating that this leads to positive changes in the relationship.

“Now in our culture people say that a wife is the neck, she turns the head,” reveals Savchuk. “That obviously is not Scriptural, it’s just cultural reference which is against the Word of God because it speaks of manipulation. We know that manipulation is not from God.”

Submission As Order, Not Worth

Savchuk tackles the idea of submission, which she recognizes as difficult for modern women to accept. Quoting Ephesians 5:22-24, she explains that submission has to do with order, not worth. Savchuk compares the family structure to military ranks, where submission is necessary for function but does not lessen a person’s value. Wives, she says, submit to their husbands just as husbands submit to Christ.

“Now a woman can have a very strong character which is absolutely fine, she can run a huge business and be a CEO of that business, she has employees that are men, and they submit to her,” Savchuk explains. “This is absolutely fine, but when it comes to the family order, when it comes to being a wife, in the family that powerful woman becomes more powerful if she obeys the Word of God and submits to her husband.”

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

A Homemaker Who Builds

Savchuk addresses the wife’s role as a homemaker. Citing Proverbs 14:1, she urges women to prioritize building their homes and nurturing their families. In a culture that often prioritizes career success, Savchuk encourages women to cherish their role in shaping the home, a responsibility she believes God designed specifically for wives.

In a society that frequently pushes women to reject biblical roles and embrace a more masculine lifestyle, Savchuk’s message challenges these ideas. She encourages wives to embrace their biblical roles, finding fulfillment and strength in serving their families and husbands according to God’s design.

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.




Red Heifer Ceremony: Could This Be the Year


Byron Stinson, who has been deeply involved in bringing red heifers to Israel, shares an exciting update on their progress as the historic ceremony draws near. “The rabbis have had possession of the cows now,” Stinson says, noting that the heifers reached the required age earlier this year. “They became of age back in February and March, and they’ve been preparing the things they need to be able to do the ceremony.”

Despite the ongoing conflict in the region, Stinson expresses optimism. “Of course, the war has been going on during that whole time, and the nation is really fighting to protect themselves. So it’s been complicated, but it’s moving forward,” he explains.

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

Of the five cows originally brought to Israel, three still meet the strict requirements for the sacred ritual. “Out of the five, three are still pure and could be used for the ceremony. Two have started growing a couple of white or black hairs that disqualify them,” Stinson shares. However, these two heifers may still play a vital role in the future. “They’re still very good animals that could produce another red heifer.”

Stinson continues to emphasize the significance of the red heifer ceremony, which holds deep biblical and prophetic meaning in Jewish tradition. The ashes of a pure red heifer, sacrificed in a specific manner, are required for the ritual purification necessary to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.

Order Jonathan Cahn’s “The Dragon’s Prophecy” on !

“It’s only one needed for the ceremony,” Stinson explains, underscoring the rarity and importance of finding a heifer that fully meets the stringent requirements laid out in the Torah. The process has been carefully monitored, and while the selection has narrowed, hope remains strong that the upcoming ceremony could mark a monumental event in Israel’s spiritual landscape.

The heifers are currently in Shiloh, where previous red heifer ceremonies took place in ancient times.

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

The ceremony itself is planned to take place on the Mount of Olives, a site steeped in religious history and significance. “We have the property on the Mount of Olives… it’s in our possession,” Stinson says.

For the ritual to be conducted properly, a priest who has been prepared according to biblical guidelines must be present. “We need to take one with a priest that’s prepared for this ceremony and do that on the Mount of Olives,” he reiterates.

Stinson believes that the current political and social challenges won’t stop the eventual fulfillment of this important, and consequential, tradition. “I think it’s important that they go ahead and follow the words of the Bible and do that, if they can.” Even if it doesn’t happen this year, Stinson expresses faith in God’s timing, saying, “It’ll happen when God’s ready.”

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.




Shining Bright: A Christian’s Guide to Sharing God’s Love

In a recent interview with Stephen Strang on “The Strang Report,” Pastor Joakim Lundqvist shared his personal insights on embracing one’s divine purpose and radiating God’s love in transformative ways. Lundqvist emphasizes that many Christians hesitate to let their light shine, often feeling unworthy or inadequate. However, he urges believers to understand that their ability to shine doesn’t come from their own perfection, but from Christ living within them.

“The light that we can shine is not originating from our own level of perfection,” Lundqvist says. “It comes from the fact that Christ is living in us, and as we understand that, we can shine through our personalities, our gifts and everything God created us to be.”

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

Growing up in Sweden, Lundqvist initially rebelled against the church, feeling disconnected from the traditional Lutheran institution. But at 16, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening after attending a Christian conference where he first heard the message of God’s goodness and light. “For the first time, I was introduced to a God I could know personally,” he recalls, leading him to give his heart to Jesus.

Order Joakim Lundqvist’s “Shine Your Light” on !

Lundqvist’s journey from a secularized upbringing to pastoring a global church movement has been marked by a deep passion for encouraging others to step into their God-given callings. He shares how stories of biblical heroes, historical figures and modern-day saints have inspired him, believing that their lives make spiritual principles tangible. “Stories and testimonies are like the Word becoming flesh,” Lundqvist explains. “They make spiritual principles graspable and personal.”

In his teachings, Lundqvist often uses the metaphor of different light bulbs to illustrate the multitude of personalities in the body of Christ. Whether someone is an “oven light bulb” who shines under pressure or a “party light” bringing joy to those around them, he believes that every Christian has a unique way to shine for Jesus. “Whoever you are, whatever personality you have, you can shine for Jesus and make a difference in your world,” he says.

As he looks at the challenges facing the modern world, Lundqvist acknowledges the darkness and overwhelming problems that seem insurmountable. But he believes the key to fulfilling the Great Commission lies in mobilizing ordinary believers to recognize their role in God’s plan. “We need an army of believers who will realize, ‘I am the light of the world. God has sent me to make a difference in my world,’” Lundqvist declares.

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

Pastor Lundqvist brings with him a message of hope for every Christian: each person has a unique gift from God and a specific path in life that serves Him. “We are all called to be light-bearers,” he affirms, “no matter where we are or what our personality might be.”

This truth is echoed in Scripture: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden,” (Matt. 5:14). Every believer has the ability to impact their surroundings and shine their light for Jesus Christ.

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.